likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: copy, portrait

2

: appearance, semblance

3

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance

Synonyms of likeness

• image
• depiction
• portrait
• illustration
• picture

Choose the Right Synonym for likeness

likeness, similarity, resemblance, similitude, analogy mean agreement or correspondence in details.

likeness implies a closer correspondence than similarity which often implies that things are merely somewhat alike.

a remarkable likeness to his late father

some similarity between the two cases

resemblance implies similarity chiefly in appearance or external qualities.

statements that bear little resemblance to the truth

similitude applies chiefly to correspondence between abstractions.

two schools of social thought showing points of similitude

analogy implies likeness or parallelism in relations rather than in appearance or qualities.

pointed out analogies to past wars

Examples of likeness in a Sentence

a stamp bearing the likeness of a president

There's some likeness between them.

There's an uncanny likeness between them.

Recent Examples on the Web

In honor of being named as Barbie’s role model of the year, a toy has been made in the likeness of the 28-year-old athlete, who famously scored the winning goal in the UEFA European Women’s Championship in 2022 and the clinching penalty in the 2025 Euro final. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026

Part of the recent draft dip is certainly related to name, image and likeness money. —Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026

But in recent months, more AI companies have pushed to strike licensing deals with talent across sectors — from film and TV to video games — to avoid blowback from artists who worry that their voices and likenesses are being used without their consent. —Angela Yang, NBC news, 4 Mar. 2026

Jackson’s likeness will join IUN’s eight previous chancellors and Ricks-Miller, who attended IUN, has sketched the last three. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing likeness

• a good likeness

Rhymes for likeness

• unlikeness

Kids Definition

likeness

noun

like·​ness ˈlīk-nəs 

1

: a picture especially of a person : portrait

2

: the quality or state of being like : resemblance